Destination: Thailand

3 November; Hill Tribes and Loi Krathong Vibes

Fri, 3 Nov 2017 | By gatornav | Views [568] | Comments [1]

Today is the full moon of the 12 th month of the lunar calendar. That means it is Loi Krathong here in Thailand. One of the largest holidays, Loi Krathong – as the name suggests in Thai – is when you “float a basket.” That ... Read more >

Tags: chiang mai, hill tribes, loi krathong, thailand

2 November 2017: A Window to an Elephant's Soul

Thu, 2 Nov 2017 | By gatornav | Views [467] | Comments [2]

To look into an elephant’s eyes is to gaze through the window to its soul.   Beautiful. Majestic. Powerful. Gentle. I can’t think of another animal that I can bond with faster than an elephant and I’m not sure why.  ... Read more >

Tags: chiang mai, elephants, thailand, woodys

1 November: Temples... Feel the Spirits of the Past

Wed, 1 Nov 2017 | By gatornav | Views [398]

Today was our first full day in Chiang Mai.  We started our day by eating some breakfast at Sailomjoy Restaurant – yes, I ate Khao Soi again today. It was delicious yet again. After breakfast, it was temple time. Starting off on ... Read more >

Tags: chedi luang, chiang mai, temples, thailand

31 October: Chiang Mai. Of Khao Soi, Massage, and Markets

Tue, 31 Oct 2017 | By gatornav | Views [400] | Comments [1]

Happy Halloween!  Another day of transition for us as we leave beautiful Phuket for the northern charm of Chiang Mai.   We were so fortunate that the weather cooperated for us in Phuket. The rains held off on our boat tour to James Bond ... Read more >

Tags: chiang mai, khao soi, massage, night market, thailand

30 October: Lazy Day and Ladyboys

Tue, 31 Oct 2017 | By gatornav | Views [449] | Comments [1]

After a long day and a later-than anticipated night last night, the decision was made to sleep in.  All of us have been waking up too early – time to try to pay back that sleep deficit.   It worked. We were all able to sleep in.... Read more >

Tags: ladyboys, phuket, simon cabaret, thailand

29 October: Monkeying Around in Phang Nga

Sun, 29 Oct 2017 | By gatornav | Views [378] | Comments [1]

All I can say is, “Wow!” What an incredible day from start to finish.  (There was a bump or two along the way, but nothing show stopping). And well, actually the start had me a little bummed as I woke up at 415 am and couldn’... Read more >

Tags: james bond island, phang nga, thailand

28 October -- Headed to Phuket!

Sat, 28 Oct 2017 | By gatornav | Views [334]

Today was mostly a travel and transition day. Leisurely breakfast at the hotel started the day. I haven’t mentioned that our hotel was the Galleria 12 Sukhumvit. Overall, a nice place to stay, and we were able to get some great deals online for ... Read more >

Tags: bankok, phuket

27 October; The Jim Thompson Experience

Fri, 27 Oct 2017 | By gatornav | Views [384]

The highlight of today was touring the home of the famous Jim Thompson in Bangkok.  While I have spent a lot of time in Bangkok, I have always wanted to come here, but never had the time. Mr. Thompson’s story is a very interesting ... Read more >

Tags: bangkok, jim thompson, via vai

26 October Summary; Somber Day, Great Dinner

Fri, 27 Oct 2017 | By gatornav | Views [413]

Today was a somber day for the Thai people as it marked the funeral of beloved King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The world’s largest standing monarch and known as largely to the people as “The Father of Thailand,” the city of Bangkok represented ... Read more >

Tags: bangkok

Photos: Thailand 17

Thu, 26 Oct 2017 | By gatornav | Photo Gallery

Flight Recap and 26 October Plans

Thu, 26 Oct 2017 | By gatornav | Views [386]

International flying can always be challenging. Some itinerary changes a few months ago created a 6+ hour layover in Detroit for us. I was able to convince Delta airlines to give us miles to buy our way into the SkyClub lounge. This was a good move and ... Read more >

Tags: airline, bangkok, taxi, thailand, travel

Sawasdee Thailand

Mon, 23 Oct 2017 | By sathya | Views [430]

  Pattaya Thailand is my 3rd foreign country to visit. I arrived in an early morning flight of Air Asia in Donmueang International Airport, Bangkok which exclusively caters the Budget Airlines. Indian Tourist can enter Thailand by Visa ... Read more >

Twas the Night Before....Departure

Mon, 23 Oct 2017 | By gatornav | Views [368]

It's here. Finally. I used to travel internationally for work almost every month years ago. Not anymore. My trips are the exception, not the norm. So when I travel now, it is for my wife and I -- and in this case, some great friends coming along as well.... Read more >

Tags: bangkok, chiang mai, phitsanulok, phuket, thailand

Photos: Just me

Thu, 5 Oct 2017 | By elizag | Photo Gallery

Phuket Relaxation

Mon, 25 Sep 2017 | By jasonmarshall22 | Views [386]

We haven't posted an update for a couple of days as we've been spending our time relaxing at our hotel in Phuket and so we don't have too much to report.   On Friday morning we left our hotel in Chiang Mai to get our flight to Phuket. We ... Read more >